UK’s underage drinking rate at all time low

The rate of underage drinking in the UK is at its lowest level since records began in 1988, new figures have revealed.

Underage drinking rates in the UK are at an all time low, new figures show

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) and Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), released the 2013 Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England annual survey on Thursday, which questioned pupils in years seven to 11 (mostly aged between 11 and 15).

It showed 39% of pupils questioned admitted they had drunk alcohol at least once, compared to 61% of pupils in 2003 – the lowest level that has been recorded at any time since 1988, when the survey first began.

The number of pupils who had consumed alcohol in the last week prior to being questioned has also declined to just 9% from 25% in 2003.

“The fall in underage drinking represents a sustained, long-term trend, which is welcomed by the industry,” said Miles Beale, WSTA chief executive. “Young people are now drinking less, and those that do are drinking less frequently.

“The rollout of industry-led initiatives like Challenge 25 and Community Alcohol Partnerships, which are targeted at reducing underage sales of alcohol and tackling underage drinking, are clearly having a positive impact.”